Pet coat

ABSTRACT

A pet garment having a coat and an integrated harness that is placed on the pet without the garment going over the pet&#39;s head. The integrated harness cording is in channels within the coat. The coat has a lengthwise opening with a fastener that extends from the hemline to the neckline of the coat, the opening over a pet&#39;s dorsal side. The coat has a protective outer layer, an inner lining layer and leg openings. The integrated harness cording merges together when the opening closes and the leash easily attaches to the harness cording ends gathered together adjacent to the closed opening. The coat covers the underbelly, leaving a concave scallop for the pet&#39;s genitals. The pet merely steps into the coat with the opening open without the coat going over the pet&#39;s head.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a nonprovisional utility application of theprovisional patent application, Ser. No. 61/998,140, filed in the UnitedStates Patent Office on Jun. 19, 2014 and claims the priority thereofand is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a pet garment. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to a pet coat with anintegrated harness.

BACKGROUND

With pet ownership come many responsibilities. In particular, dog ownersgenerally need to take their dog outside several times a day both forexercise, stimulation and for elimination. Because this is a dailyoccurrence regardless of the weather, the pet is sometimes exposed torain, snow and cold. As much as a dog is loved that special “wet dog”odor is never appreciated. Toweling off the pet when the outdoorexcursion is a necessary chore to prevent water from scattering aroundthe inside of the dwelling, but adds to the workload of the owner.

Many breeds have thick coats of long hair that are well suited for cold,wet weather. However, the long hair takes time to dry. Other short hairbreeds need extra protection of a garment such as a sweater, coat orraincoat to tolerate bad weather.

In most urban and suburban areas, dogs generally are not permitted torun free except in designated areas and must be on a lead attached to acollar or harness.

Many pet owners prefer a harness to a collar because they feel that theycan control the pet better. When owners and guardians pull on the leash,animals are alerted to the human's level of control and intent. From amild tug to a fierce restraint, animals are instantly aware of theexpected behavior through the level of pressure the animal feels alongits entire upper body. This gives the pet assurance of knowing theirhuman is the “leader of the pack” while allowing guardians anunparalleled level of control. Harnesses allow the guardians and ownersto keep their pets and themselves safe in all manner of situationswithout choking a pet into compliance: from a leisurely stroll to strongrestraint against perceived provocations—real or imagined.

Putting on any weather protection garment is difficult for the petguardian if the pet is on a leash attached to a harness. However, both aprotective garment and a harness are essential for a pleasant outdoorexperience in foul or cold weather.

To put on the harness, the owner must put the harness over the garment,which requires adjusting the harness to accommodate the extra girthcreated by the garment and then readjusting it when the harness is inuse without the garment.

More difficult is placing the harness under the garment, which requiresa garment with a hole on the back. The opening exposes the animal's backto the elements, allowing rain, sleet and snow to get in and under thegarments. Some garments are available with such a hole, but generallythe garment must be slit or cut open. To preserve garment durability,the hole must be stitched or finished by tape to prevent tearing andfraying. The pet guardian must accurately make the slit or cut so thatpet's leash can be attached to the harness that is now under thegarment.

While these remedies may be suitable for the particular purposeemployed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for thepurposes of the present disclosure as disclosed hereafter.

In the present disclosure, where a document, act or item of knowledge isreferred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not anadmission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combinationthereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to thepublic, part of common general knowledge or otherwise constitutes priorart under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to berelevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which the presentdisclosure is concerned.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussedto facilitate the present disclosure, no technical aspects aredisclaimed and it is contemplated that the claims may encompass one ormore of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An aspect of an example embodiment in the present disclosure is toprovide a pet garment that protects a pet body from the weather.Accordingly, an aspect of an example embodiment in the presentdisclosure provides a pet garment having a coat with a protective outergarment.

Another aspect of an example embodiment in the present disclosure is toprovide a pet garment that makes attaching a leash easy. Accordingly,the present disclosure provides a pet garment having an integratedharness in a protective coat that avoids having to cut the coat to fit aharness through to a leash.

A further aspect of an example embodiment in the present disclosure isto provide a pet garment with a coat and integrated harness that is easyto put on the pet. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a petgarment with a coat and integrated harness that has a lengthwise openingover a pet's dorsal side so that the pet merely steps into the coat withthe opening open without the coat going over the pet's head.

The present disclosure describes a pet garment having a coat and anintegrated harness that is placed on the pet without the garment goingover the pet's head. The integrated harness cording is in channelswithin the coat. The coat has a lengthwise opening with a fastener thatextends from the hemline to the neckline of the coat, the opening over apet's dorsal side. The coat has a protective outer layer, an innerlining layer and leg openings. The integrated harness cording mergestogether when the opening closes and the leash easily attaches to theharness cording ends gathered together at the opening. The coat coversthe underbelly, leaving a concave scallop for the pet's genitals. Thepet merely steps into the coat with the opening open without the coatgoing over the pet's head.

The present disclosure addresses at least one of the foregoingdisadvantages. However, it is contemplated that the present disclosuremay prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in anumber of technical areas. Therefore, the claims should not necessarilybe construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems ordeficiencies discussed hereinabove. To the accomplishment of the above,this disclosure may be embodied in the form illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, thatthe drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as beingpart of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals.The drawings are briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of an example embodiment of an open petgarment, showing the interior of the garment.

FIG. 1A is a sectional top plan view of a side edge of an exampleembodiment of a pet garment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from a dorsal side of an example embodimentof a closed pet garment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from a ventral side of an exampleembodiment of a closed pet garment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a pet garmentbeing placed on a pet.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the ventral side of another exampleembodiment of a closed pet garment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from the dorsal side of an exampleembodiment of a closed pet garment with a leash attaching to a harness.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the top of another example embodimentof a closed pet garment having a pair of front sleeves.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from the top of another example embodimentof a closed pet garment having two pairs of sleeves.

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which show various exampleembodiments. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to the exampleembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments areprovided so that the present disclosure is thorough, complete and fullyconveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an interior side of an example embodiment of a petgarment 10 having an integrated harness. The pet garment is outdoorswear for a pet, typically a dog. The pet garment 10 includes a coat 20and an integrated harness, described hereinbelow.

The coat has a neckline 28 and a hemline 24 and a lengthwise opening 30extending from the neckline 28 to the hemline 24, the opening extendingthe entire length of the coat. The lengthwise opening 30 has a fastener32 configured for closing the opening 30. The lengthwise opening extendsover the dorsal side of the pet such that when the fastener opens, thecoat 20 slips off the back of the pet without engaging the pet's head.The coat 20 has a pair of leg openings 22 configured for accommodating apair of pet forelegs.

In one example embodiment of the pet garment 10, the coat 20 has aplurality of layers.

The coat 20 has a plurality of channels 44 terminating adjacent to theopening 30. In one example embodiment, the channels 44 are formedbetween the plurality of layers, by topstitching an outer protectivelayer and an inner lining layer 14. In another example embodiment, thechannels are formed by topstitching tape strips as explained furtherhereinbelow.

Referring to FIG. 1A showing details on the exterior side of the coat20, a harness 40 threads through the channels 44 of the coat 20. Theharness has a plurality of ends 40E extending through the channel ends44E on each side of the opening 30.

For the purpose of this discussion, a harness is an arrangement ofcording that is placed on a pet, generally around the pet's torso andaround the pet's shoulders. The cording typically converges on the pet'sdorsal side. Where the cording converges is a means to attach a leash.While this is a typical configuration, other harness configurations arepossible within the concepts disclosed herein.

In one example embodiment, the harness cording is paracord. For thepurpose of this discussion, paracord, is a lightweight nylon kernmantlerope cord with a braided sheath that has a high number of interwovenstrands for its size, giving it a relatively smooth texture.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the neckline 28 has a“V-shape 30V at the opening 30.

Referring again to FIG. 1, an interior side of the coat 20 has the innerlining layer 14 that provides a soft surface next to the pet's skin toprotect against rubbing and irritation. In a further example embodiment,the lining layer 14 comprises a thermal insulating fabric appropriatefor cold weather, such as fleece as a non-limiting example. In anotherexample embodiment of the pet garment, the inner lining layer 14 is amesh fabric, appropriate for warmer weather, such as spring and fall.The mesh fabric lining is suitable for a raincoat style outer layer. Inone example embodiment, wherein tape strips form the channels 44, on theexterior side, the inner lining 14 is selectively removable, allowingthe thermal insulating fabric to be replaced by the mesh fabric and viceversa.

FIG. 2 shows the dorsal side of the pet garment 10. The coat has anouter protective layer 12. In one example embodiment, the outerprotective layer 12 is waterproof. In one example embodiment, the outerprotective layer 12 is waterproof and windproof breathable fabric.

In one example embodiment, the outer protective layer has a plurality ofreflective tape strips 18. In a further example embodiment, the tapestrips 18 form channels 44 with the outer layer 12 by top stitching theouter layer 12.

The outside of the pet garment 10 has a plurality of leash connectors 46attaching to the cording ends 42E, the harness being discontinuous,having a plurality of cording 42E ends converging at the opening 30.There is at least one leash connector 46 on each side of the opening 30,connecting the cording ends 42E to a leash when the garment 10 is placedon the pet and the opening 30 of the coat 20 is closed.

In the example embodiment, the leash connector 46 has a “D” ring 54 forconnecting to the leash. Each cording end 42E has a cord lock 48 foradjusting the harness 40 around the pet. In a further exampleembodiment, the “D” ring connects to the cording ends 42E via webbing50. In another example embodiment, the cording ends extend from thechannels through a ferrule 52.

As explained with regard to FIG. 1, the coat 20 has the placket 34 onone side of the opening 30 such that when the fastener 32 closes theopening 30, the placket 34 is underneath the fastener 32 as shown inFIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the fastener 32 is a zipper. However, those ofordinary skill understand that the fastener is not limited to a zipper,but can be selected from other closures systems such as snaps, hook andloop strips, buttons, frogs and toggles.

FIG. 3 shows the ventral side of the pet garment 10 when closed. Thehemline 24 of the coat has a concave scallop 26 opposite the placket 34configured for accommodating urination. The coat 20 covers the entireunderbelly of the pet, ending just below the genital area, providingextra protection to the pet.

This design provides extra warmth in cooler weather without interferingwith bodily functions. The coat 20 also acts to keep the pet'sunderbelly dry in wet weather. This design reduces the time and energyof “toweling off” pets upon their return indoors as well reduces that“wet pet” smell.

In another example embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the pet garment 10 has apair of sleeves 56 attaching to each foreleg openings 22 in the coat 20configured for covering the pet forelegs.

In a further example embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a second pair ofsleeves 56 is attached to the hemline 24 of the coat 20, one sleeve 56on each side of the concave scallop 26, operative for covering the pethind legs.

A method of dressing the pet 60 in the pet garment 10 is shown in FIG.4. The opening 30 is open extending from the hemline 24 to the neckline28. The pet's forelegs 62 are placed by placing a first foreleg 62 intoa first leg opening 22 and a second foreleg into a second leg opening.The opening 30 is closed with the fastener 32 by first bringing theopening sides together and coupling the sides with the fastener 32.

As the opening 30 is closed, the placket 34 is placed under the fastener32 so that the fastener 32 is above the placket 34. When the fastener 32is a full-length zipper, closing the opening is done by zipping thezipper from the hemline 24 to the neckline 28 after bringing the opening30 sides together. In one example embodiment the zipper closes fromneckline 28 to hemline 24.

FIG. 6 shows the dorsal side of the garment 10 with the opening 30closed. After closing the opening 30, the leash 64 is attached to theintegrated harness 40 via a plurality of leash connectors 46 coupled tothe cording ends 42E, the harness 40 threaded through the plurality ofchannels 44 in the coat 20, the channels ends on each side of the closedopening 30. The harness 44 is adjusted around the pet with a pluralityof cord locks 48 on the cording ends 42E.

When the garment 10 has sleeves 56 for the forelegs as demonstrated inFIG. 7, the first foreleg is placed in the first sleeve 56 and thesecond foreleg is placed in the second sleeve 56 before the opening 30is closed.

When the garment 10 has sleeves 56 for the legs, both forelegs and hindlegs as demonstrated in FIG. 8, the first foreleg is placed in the firstsleeve 56 of the first pair of sleeves, the second foreleg is placed inthe second sleeve 56, the first hind leg is placed in the first sleeve56 of the second pair of sleeves, the second hind leg is placed in thesecond sleeve 56 of the second pair of sleeves before the opening 30 isclosed.

A method of manufacturing the pet garment is demonstrated in FIG. 1. Theplurality of layers in the form of a coat 20 having a center seam 38,the neckline 28, the hemline 24, leg openings 22, one each side of thecenter seam and the lengthwise opening 30 extending from the neckline 28to the hemline 24 is assembled.

The fastener 32 is coupled to the lengthwise opening 30 operative forclosing the opening when the garment 10 is worn by the pet

The channels 44 are created by topstitching the coat 20, the topstitching extending from the center seam 38 in a shoulder portion 36,the top stitching extending from the center seam in a torso portion 39directly to the lengthwise opening 30, the top stitching converging atthe opening 30.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, The leash connectors 46 attach to the harnesscording ends 42E, at least one leash connector 46 on each side of theopening 30, the leash connectors connecting the harness cording ends 42Eto the leash when the garment 10 is placed on a pet and the opening 30of the coat 20 is closed.

The harness cording 42 is threaded through the channels 44 of the coat20, the harness cording having a plurality of ends 42E extending throughthe channel ends on each side of the opening 30. Cord locks 48 arecoupled to each harness cording end 42E and “D” rings 54 are attached tothe leash connectors 46.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the coat 20 has a placket 34 on one side ofthe opening 30 created from the inner protective layer 14, such thatwhen the fastener 32 closes the opening 30, the placket 34 is underneaththe fastener 32 and the step of coupling the fastener 32 to thelengthwise opening 30 includes attaching the placket 34 to one side ofthe lengthwise opening 30 behind the fastener.

When the hemline 24 is sown, a concave scallop 26 is created oppositethe opening 30 when the garment 10 is on the pet.

In one example embodiment shown in FIG. 5, reflective tape strips aresown on the outer layer 12 of the coat 20 after the channels are createdbetween the outer protective layer 12 and the inner lining layer. Inanother example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the tape strips 18 are topstitched onto the outer protective layer 12 forming the channels 44. Inthis embodiment, the inner layer is selectively removable andinterchangeable.

Prior to topstitching the channels 44, in one example embodiment of themethod, the cording 42 of the harness 40 is laid between the layers.Alternatively, the cording 42 is threaded through the channels 44.

In yet another example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the step ofassembling a plurality of layers in the form of a coat 20 includesattaching a pair of sleeves 56 to the foreleg openings 22, one sleevefor each foreleg opening.

In still another example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the step ofassembling a plurality of layers in the form of a coat 20 includesattaching two pairs of sleeves 56 to the coat, a first pair to theforeleg openings 22, one sleeve for each foreleg opening, and a secondpair of sleeves 56 to the hemline 24 of the coat 20, one sleeve on eachside of the concave scallop 26, operative for covering the pet hindlegs.

The pet garment 10 fits all breed types, the length of the garmentcoming in a variety of lengths that accommodates miniature to giantbreeds, in all lengths as measured from neck to base of tail from eight(8) inches to twenty-six (26) inches. In some example embodiments, thefabrics used have an elastic weave that accommodates the majority ofcommon animal body types.

In this discussion, dogs are used as examples of pets whose owners wouldfind the example embodiments disclosed herein advantageous. However, itis understood by those of ordinary skill that example embodimentsdisclosed herein are suitable for other pets, both typical and exotic,such as cats, domesticated wolves, wolfdogs, chimpanzees, hares, andother mammals that are members of canidae, felidae, primate andlagomorpha families. It is further understood that referring to dogs asexamples of pets is not a limitation.

It is understood that when an element is referred hereinabove as being“on” another element, it can be directly on the other element orintervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there areno intervening elements present.

Moreover, any components or materials can be formed from a same,structurally continuous piece or separately fabricated and connected.

It is further understood that, although ordinal terms, such as, “first,”“second,” “third,” are used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer or section from another element, component, region, layer orsection. Thus, “a first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer” or“section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component,region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper” and the like, are used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross sectionillustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments.As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result,for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, example embodiments described herein should not beconstrued as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustratedherein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, forexample, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated ordescribed as flat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features.Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, theregions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and theirshapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region andare not intended to limit the scope of the present claims.

In conclusion, herein is presented a pet garment with an integratedharness. The disclosure is illustrated by example in the drawingfigures, and throughout the written description. It should be understoodthat numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventiveconcept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pet garment having an integrated harness,comprising: a coat having a plurality of layers, a neckline and ahemline, said coat having a lengthwise opening extending from theneckline to the hemline, the opening having a fastener, the fastenerconfigured for selectively opening and closing said opening said coathaving a plurality of channels, the channels located between theplurality of layers and terminating adjacent to the opening; a harnessthreaded through the channels of the coat, the harness having aplurality of ends extending through the channel ends on each side of theopening; and a plurality of leash connectors attaching to the harnessends, at least one leash connector on each side of the opening, theleash connectors connecting the harness ends to a leash when the garmentis placed on a pet and the opening of the coat is closed; each end ofthe harness having a cord lock; each leash connector having a “D” ring,wherein the “D” ring connects to the end of the harness by webbing. 2.The pet garment as described in claim 1, wherein the coat has aplurality of layers comprising an outer protective layer and an innerlining layer.
 3. The pet garment as described in claim 2, wherein theouter protective layer is waterproof.
 4. The pet garment as described inclaim 2, wherein the outer layer has a plurality of reflective tapestrips.
 5. The pet garment as described in claim 2, wherein the lininglayer is a thermal insulating fabric appropriate for cold weather. 6.The pet garment as described in claim 2, wherein the lining layer is amesh fabric appropriate for warm weather.
 7. The pet garment asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the coat has a placket on one side of theopening such that when the fastener closes the opening, the placket isunderneath the fastener.
 8. The pet garment as described in claim 1,wherein the fastener is a closure system selected from the groupconsisting of zippers, snaps, hook and loop strips, buttons, frogs andtoggles.
 9. The pet garment as described in claim 1, wherein the hemlinehas a concave scallop opposite the placket configured for accommodatingurination.
 10. The pet garment as described in claim 1, wherein the coathas a pair of leg openings configured for accommodating a pair of petforelegs.
 11. The pet garment as described in claim 1, wherein theneckline has a “V” shape at the opening.